Some Leicestershire and Warwickshire garden centres re-open

There will be limited numbers of customers allowed inside and strict social distancing measures in place.

Garden centre retailer Dobbies has announced it will reopen its 54 English stores on Wednesday 13th May including two in Leicestershire and one in Atherstone.

Dobbies says the safety of team members and customers remains Dobbies' number one priority and social distancing measures have been implemented to allow the stores to operate safely. 

There will be a limited number of customers permitted in the stores at one time. A queuing system will be in operation outside the stores, with two metre markers in place to help maintain social distancing. Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations will be available at all store entrances. 

Protective screens have been installed at tills and customers will be asked to pay with card or contactless, where possible. Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members, who will also receive training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe. Rigorous daily hygiene routines will continue throughout the stores.

Whilst the restaurants and soft plays will remain temporarily closed, Dobbies says they will offer a takeaway menu from Friday 15th May. 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: "We have taken care to ensure we are following guidance provided by the Government, British Retail Consortium and Horticultural Trade Association to reopen responsibly. 

"Our team is well prepared, social distancing measures are in place and we look forward to welcoming customers back into our stores in Warwickshire and across England.

"I would like to thank our team members and customers for their understanding during these uncertain times."

Meanwhile Sapcote Garden Centre has also announced they will be open from Wednesday 13th May with strict social distancing measures in place.

In a note to customers on a social media post, the retailer said: "There will be 50 car parking spaces available to limit the amount of people in the shop at any one time. 

There will be a one-way system around the shop, there will be no 'nipping' in the exit to the tills. This is to ensure people are not bumping into each other.

We have tape around the shop to remind everyone to keep a safe distance from others, especially whilst queuing for the tills. Perspex screens have been put up by our tills to keep you and our staff safe."